Kerstin Roolfs, a German-American artist, has created artworks exploring themes of identity, memory, and social issues through her art. Born and educated in Berlin, Roolfs relocated to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, in 1994, eventually settling in the Bronx, New York. Her creative journey spans portraiture, sports, history, and politics, with a style rooted in both European and American influences. Roolfs’ process often begins with small collages made from magazine images, which she transforms into ink drawings and large-scale oil paintings. Her series ‘Sisters,’ inspired by childhood memories of cousins on a tiny North Sea island, reflects her ongoing fascination with connection and personal history. With exhibitions across the United States, Canada, Russia, and Europe, Roolfs continues to push boundaries and invite viewers into her creative world. Through her work, she strives to spark dialogue and evoke meaningful emotional responses.
Here is the artist’s interview.
What is your creative process like?
In this series I started with a small collage made out of images I had collected over the years, mostly taken from ( fashion) magazines. The collage inspired me to make an ink drawing and from the drawing I moved on to do this large scale oil painting 70×60 inches.
Do any personal experiences shape your work?
Yes, I think the series ‘Sisters’ was inspired by my cousins I grew up with on a tiny island in the North Sea. I only have a brother.
What challenges do you face as an artist?
Mostly marketing, getting the work to be seen and acquired by collectors.
What do you want people to feel when they see your art?
I would like people to have a reaction, a feeling or in the best case to be able to communicate with my work. I want them to connect and feel something.
Kerstin Roolfs’ art seeks to engage and connect. Whether through portraiture or social commentary, her work invites viewers to reflect and feel. From her Berlin roots to her New York studio, Roolfs continues to explore themes of identity and connection, sparking conversation and introspection through her evolving artistic journey.
